New Offer Received Today for OLF 8: $36 Million for the Whole 540 Acres

 Staff just received the below offer today for the entire OLF-8 field.  We will have to go through it and there are some issues that would have to be worked if we were to accept it (e.g. the Triumph Grant for Frank Reeder Road and some infrastructure improvements on the field might not happen as these grants are only allowable on government owned-properties).  We will also have to see how the Master Plan that is already in our ordinances will be followed by this new offeror.  So some issues to work through but if we were to sell for this amount, we would realize more than a $20 Million dollar "profit" for the taxpayers--and this firm has a great reputation.  So we will see.

Interestingly--they are offering a donation of between 15-25 acres to the school board for a school to be built on the site.

This offer will be on our next agenda, this coming Thursday.

Escambia County's Equestrian Center Could be the Location of Next ECSO Substation (and a Community Resource Center)

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Sheriff Chip Simmons and Chief Deputy Andy Hobbs out at the Equestrian Center in Beulah yesterday.

The topic was the rapid growth out in Beulah in District 1, and also the need for a Sheriff's substation in the Beulah Community.

As District 1 Field Representative Jesse Casey and I discussed the location with Sheriff Simmons and Chief Deputy Hobbs, the reasons for this location became very clear.

"If we can have a location out here, it is very central to Beulah and it allows us to quickly get to all the local schools including the ones on Longleaf if that became necessary" said Sheriff Simmons.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Escambia County
Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Andy Hobbs, and D1
Commissioner Jeff Bergosh Discuss an ECSO
Beulah Substation, 5-30-2024, at the Escambia
Conunty Equestrian Center

"With Beulah's population estimated to grow by tens of thousands over the next several decades, this location in the center of Beulah makes the most sense for a substation."  Said Hobbs.

I asked the Sheriff and Chief Deputy if we could co-locate an upgraded resource center for the community and they seemed open to the idea-- once security concerns could be addressed.

In speaking with County Administrator Wes Moreno on the topic, he was positive as well.

"Sheriff Simmons and I have discussed this location and I think it is a great idea, I am all about it." said Moreno.

The ideal area where such a substation could be located on the Equestrian Center land, complete with parking, appears to be the northwest corner, right on Mobile Highway, where a second driveway already exists.

Look for this to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the full board and also look for some continued discussions with the Sheriff's office on this topic.

It could be a win-win for both the ECSO and the Beulah community!

Big Trucks Parking on Perdido Key Multi-Use Path Is Creating Concerns among Residents

A concerned resident sent the above photos of what he sees on a regular basis:  Large delivery trucks parking on our soon-to-be completed Perdido Key Multi-Use Path in District 1.

I'm sure parking this way makes the stops easier for the drivers--however these large trucks and their incredible weight could crack and damage the 4" to 5" thick concrete that the path is made of.  A Perdido Key resident sent me these photos and even calculated the weight of these trucks if they are carrying a full load.

From the resident:

"The approximate weight of a 16-wheel tractor semi-trailer full of beer cases depends on several factors, including the type and number of beer cases, the weight of the tractor and trailer, and any additional cargo. Let's break down the components to estimate the total weight:

 1. **Weight of the Empty Tractor and Semi-Trailer:**

  - An average 16-wheel tractor (also known as an 18-wheeler with two wheels off the ground) typically weighs around 15,000 to 20,000 pounds.

  - An empty semi-trailer usually weighs between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds.

  - So, the combined weight of an empty tractor and semi-trailer is roughly 25,000 to 35,000 pounds.

 2. **Weight of the Beer Cases:**

  - The standard weight of a case of beer (24 12-ounce bottles or cans) is approximately 36 pounds.

  - The maximum legal payload for a typical semi-trailer is around 45,000 pounds.

 3. **Total Weight Calculation:**

  - If the trailer is loaded to its maximum legal payload, the total weight of the cargo would be around 45,000 pounds of beer cases.

  - Adding the weight of the empty tractor and trailer (25,000 to 35,000 pounds), the total weight would be:

    - Lower estimate: 25,000 pounds (empty tractor and trailer) + 45,000 pounds (beer cases) = 70,000 pounds

    - Upper estimate: 35,000 pounds (empty tractor and trailer) + 45,000 pounds (beer cases) = 80,000 pounds

 Therefore, the approximate weight of a 16-wheel tractor semi-trailer full of beer cases would range from 70,000 to 80,000 pounds."

I have spoken to staff about this concern and we are looking at ways we can put a stop to this.

Obviously, before there was a path, the drivers couldn't park this way or they would have been stuck in the sand.  

We need to go back to the way these delivery drivers delivered before the path was constructed--otherwise we are going to have damage that county taxpayers will be on the hook to pick up.

We don't necessarily want ugly bollards --but we have to do something to stop this.

Look for more discussion on this going forward until we come to an appropriate solution

Opening Soon: The Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station in Beulah

Construction crews are rapidly putting the finishing touches on our newest, state of the art fire station in Escambia County in District 1.

Look for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to be announced very soon.

It has taken nearly 8 years to get to where we are right now; on the cusp of opening this modern station which will be a tremendous asset to Northwest Escambia County in general, and the Beulah community particularly.

The station will be named the Bradshaw-McNair Fire station in honor of two men who dedicated their lives to service.

Volunteer Assistant District Fire Chief #2 Dwain Bradshaw was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2019.

Volunteer District Fire  Chief  #2 Steve McNair has dedicated nearly 6 decades to volunteering as a firefighter in Beulah, and he helped to build the first Beulah Fire station.

The rendering above is an abstract of what will be a bronze memorial to these men, which will be prominently displayed at the station that will bear their names.

I'll be the 7:00AM Leadoff Guest Tomorrow Morning on Real News with Rick Outzen on AM 1370 WCOA

I'll be on the area's best morning drive news program, Real News with Rick Outzen, tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM.

Once again I have been asked to be the leadoff guest on the area's best, most listened to, most influential, and most trusted morning drive news talk program, "Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.

I'll be on tomorrow discussing the "No True Bill" finding by the Grand Jury that concludes any investigation into me for the alleged Sunshine Law violation my political opponents have inappropriately lodged against me  to further their own political ambitions.  

I look forward to discussing that---- and the other very concerning development which will likely result in investigations by the Florida Division of Ethics on the improper/illegal discussion of Grand Jury schedules, testimony, and topics.  This confidential, statutorily secret information was put out, publicly, by folks who ought to know better than that but who are using information gained by way of their position to benefit themselves and othersand to damage me politically.

It will be an interesting conversation--tune in live at 7:00AM or catch the podcast here once Rick publishes it.

No True Bill : Exoneration and Vindication Part II

 

Tuesday of this past week I was fully and completely exonerated of doing anything illegal associated with the news articles and allegations surrounding the stolen and improperly released county files and text messages that had been used as some sort of "evidence" I violated the Florida Sunshine Law.  

I was investigated for months and months over allegations I did things I did not do--- and accusations that I committed crimes I did not commit. 

Of course I knew I was innocent.  I follow the law.

This past Tuesday an 18 member Grand Jury looked over all of this and declined to prosecute due to the fact there was no evidence I committed a crime.  They issued a "No True Bill."  I have requested this public record from the clerk and she and her attorney have refused to send a signed copy of it to me.  Instead, I have obtained the above copy in the interim from the office of the State Attorney.

So What is Happening Currently? 

As of Tuesday of last week all investigations by the State Attorney's office over allegations I violated the Sunshine Law are concluded and over.  No charges will be brought, no indictments are "forthcoming."

The reason I put the airquotes around "forthcoming," above,  is that there have been a lot of lies told about me and other commissioners and private citizens lately stemming from stolen county files that included 60,000 text messages and 1,600 color photographs from my phone.  

Sadly, I've recently learned that someone who ought to know better and is privy to some very sensitive, confidential scheduling of the Escambia County 2024 Grand Jury has been making public statements about when this Grand Jury would be meeting, what issues they were considering, and sadly, this same individual publicly stated "Watch for the first week in May when the Grand Jury will be deliberating on county commissioners and indicting county commissioners--it is forthcoming"  This was stated at a fundraiser at the home of former county commissioner Gene Valentino in the presence of multiple individuals--one of whom immediately reached out to me with this incredible information.  At the time this witness told me--I wasn't even aware I was going to be asked to testify before the grand jury.

Obviously this individual who made these improper pronouncements about what the grand jury would decide was dead wrong about what the outcome of the grand jury's deliberations would produce.  But this individual correctly identified both the topic the grand jury was going to deliberate and also the correct timeframe for these deliberations------ which she should not have known and if she did know---she should NEVER have shared.

Why divulge this when it is secret information??----It's deliberately, statutorily kept confidential to protect the integrity of investigations and ALSO to protect the safety of the grand jurors themselves.

I spoke about this and multiple other things with Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille on Friday of last week.  During our conversation we obviously discussed my particular case as I had been notified Tuesday by an attorney I retained that the investigation by the grand jury concluded and "No True Bill" was rendered and the matter was closed out.  This did not surprise me--- as again--I know I did not violate any law because I am a rule following, law obeying responsible citizen. People may not like what I do, what I say, or my straightforward style.  But none of that's illegal. 

As I continued my discussion with Mr. Marcille, he let me know that the Grand Jury typically deals only with very serious cases like homicide.  He went on to let me know that any impropriety alleged against an elected official locally will likely be handed off to the grand jury--- to remove the appearance of any political influence in decisions to indict or not to indict such a sitting elected official.  

This obviously makes sense.

So next I moved our conversation to three other, emergent and important issues.  

1.)  I told him the name of the individual that divulged the correct scheduling information and topic the Grand Jury had handled.  I also told him the name of the individual who was present that let me know this had happened.  Astonishingly--Marcille said he had already been made aware of those statements at that gathering.  I am hopeful that is now being investigated.  It was improper, it was potentially an attempt to influence the grand jury, and I believe it is clearly unlawful at worst (905.27), a definite ethics violation of 112.313(8) at best. Jonathan Owens knows that one, maybe he should have discussed it with her?

Either way--it needs to be looked into and properly investigated.  And I'm confident it now will be--either by the SAO's office and/or the Florida Commission on Ethics----or both.

2.)  Next I asked him why the alleged sunshine violation from which I had been vindicated (a 2nd degree misdemeanor) had been so vigorously and publicly pursued, complete with a press release from the SAO's office?  I asked if there would similarly  be a press release on the news of the "No True Bill" which would serve as vindication?  I did not receive a direct answer to that question but I was told by Mr. Marcille that I could disclose publicly that the matter was concluded and no charges were brought.  Which I am doing here now and which I did on Friday.which I did on Friday.

3.)  Next I asked why a Felony Violation of 817.5685 by Jonathan Owens and others that illegally possess stolen county files containing protected, confidential, and personal identification information had apparently been "jumped over" to instead, apparently, vigorously investigate this alleged 2nd degree misdemeanor some had alleged I committed?  Jonathan Owens admits in the media he has possession of personal identification information from improperly conveyed (stolen) county files.  He further stated he has read them, and "held onto them" improperly once he left county employment in 2022.  This is information he admits he possesses on more than a dozen Escambia County Citizens. He took this from the county and divulged unredacted to multiple entities.  He admits this on radio and in the PNJ and it is clearly a Felony------- so why is this not yet prosecuted?  3 members of my family have now had fraud on their accounts over the last 8 months--this should be investigated!  That was my question.

Much more on all of this to come, beginning at 7:00 AM tomorrow when I appear as the lead off guest on Real News with Rick Outzen on AM 1370 WCOA.

4' X 8' Bergosh Campaign Road Signs are Going Live this Week.

Thanks go out to the team for sourcing this prime downtown sign location for my first 4'X8' Campaign road sign.  Can't wait to deploy lots more in D1 over the next several weeks! 😃

And in the next couple of weeks we will begin our advertising, radio, and large billboard campaign as I continue to walk to hundreds of star voters' homes in District 1 every week leading up to the Republican Primary election locally on August 20th.

These elections for the County Commission require lots of work, focus, dedication, and time.  All of which I am devoting because I take nothing for granted; every election stands on it's own and every time I put my name on the ballot I know that it is up to the citizens to make the choice on who it is that will represent them.

Invariably, there will be those that lie about me and attempt to throw me off my game.  There will be dedicated facebook hate sites where a miniscule number of the same citizens will spout disgusting toxic lies about me and my family.  Thankfully--they do not represent the majority of star Republican voters in my district with whom I have always done well at the polls....This fact is being borne out by the conversations I am having with such voters daily.

So---with all of this as the backdrop and even with poll numbers that look good---- I will never, as some candidates have, simply "mail it in" and put it on "auto pilot" with an expectation of a win on election day. I know that although incumbency is a plus in most contested races--polling also indicates it can be a negative in low turnout, single member district small numbers contests in off-cycle primary elections especially where growth concerns are a central issue.  Yes--there is a fundraising advantage but NO, there is no incumbency advantage like US Congress or Senate.  

That's why I go all in and I will work to the end, utilize every resource at my disposal, run on my record, reel in endorsements and testimonials, and ultimately I do believe I will get the checkered flag on August 20th.

Thanks for your continued support, your financial contributions which exceed $100,000.00, your encouragement, and ultimately your vote on August 20th!

#VoteBergosh

#Bergosh2024

#LeadershipthatDelivers

Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, for Escambia County Commission District 1

Pre-Memorial Day American Flag Placement 2024 at Barrancas National Cemetery

More than 300 Scouts, family members, active duty military men and women, citizens, and Patriot Guard riders gave their time early this morning to insure every grave in our national cemetery had an American Flag waving beside it

Once again this year I was honored and humbled to be invited to give remarks on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners at the pre-Memorial Day Saturday flag placement ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetary aboard NAS Pensacola.  For more than 5 decades the Boy Scouts of America troops all over the nation have gathered together with communities nationwide to place a flag at the graves of fallen veterans before Memorial Day.  Locally, my brother Judge Gary Bergosh and sister-in-law Carissa Bergosh have spearheaded the effort since 2011 to work with the Gulf Coast Council of the Boy Scouts of America to insure every grave site at Barrancas National Cemetery has an American Flag flying in front of it prior to Memorial Day.  

Then, after the holiday, they assist with removing the flags and properly storing them for the following year.

Today, there were more than 300 scouts, scout volunteers, family members, veterans, active duty military men and women, and members of the Patriot Guard giving of their time to make sure the fallen are properly remembered.

Barrancas National Cemetery Director Craig LaChance (center), a US Army Veteran, welcomes the Boy Scouts and other volunteers  to Barrancas National Cemetary Aboard NAS Pensacola for American Flag placement day 5-25-2024

Craig LaChance, Director of Barrancas National Cemetery, welcomed the assembled, somber crowd and urged them to remember the reason for this holiday and the incredible sacrifices the men and women who died in battle have made, allowing us to be a free nation.

"To put the sacrifice in context, we should look no further than the upcoming 80th year anniversary of D-Day in WWII.  On just that one day we lost more than 2,500 military personnel.  Over our 20 years in Afghanistan, we lost about the same number." said Mr. La Chance.

As he gave the invocation, my brother and Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh (himself a retired Marine Lt. Col) reinforced the message.  "Remember, these men and women made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this country free.  Freedom is not Free!" he stated.

For my part, I thanked the folks present for giving their day to serve the fallen and to properly honor them.  I further thanked them on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, Chairman Steven Barry, and the county staff.  I recognized all the men and women present who served in the military, as well as those young men and women scouts who have made the decision to enlist.  Several of them raised there hands and were given a rousing round of applause for their commitment to enlist and serve our nation.  Barrancas is a special place for my family; both my mother and father are buried here--so I always take time when I am here to go and put a flag, proudly, next to Master Chief Bob Bergosh's headstone in the columbarium.  We also have a close family friend, Scotty Rogers, buried at Barrancas.  So--after all the welcome introductions and a prayer--we did what we came to do.

The large group fanned out and within a few short hours every grave had a flag.

Yes, this is a holiday weekend.  Yes, we should all relax and enjoy time with our friends and loved ones.  And YES, we should all recognize this and every holiday we enjoy, indeed every day we enjoy in freedom.  Because being citizens of this---- the greatest coutry the world has ever seen-- is a blessing from God secured by brave men and women who served our nation and paid the ultimate price to secure our liberty and Freedom.  

That is what Memorial Day is about.

Now, go enjoy the beach, barbeque, and beer.

No True Bill: Exoneration and Vindication Part I

Tuesday of this past week I was fully and completely exonerated of doing anything illegal associated with the news articles and allegations surrounding the stolen and improperly released county files and text messages that had been used as some sort of "evidence" I violated the Florida Sunshine Law.  

I was investigated for months and months over allegations I did things I did not do--- and accusations that I committed crimes I did not commit. 

Of course I knew I was innocent.  I follow the law.

This past Tuesday an 18 member Grand Jury looked over all of this and declined to prosecute due to the fact there was no evidence I committed a crime.  They issued a "No True Bill."  I have requested this public record from the clerk and she and her attorney have refused to send a signed copy of it to me.  Instead, I have obtained the above copy in the interim from the office of the State Attorney.

So how did this happen? 

Back in December several false accusations were made about me very publicly in an orchestrated "hit"  designed to effectively ruin my reputation and destroy me politically.  Reckless, Irresponsible, and reprehensible.   

Making matters worse--these histrionics were perpetuated by a then employee of the county, Steve Stroberger, and his boss, sitting county commissioner Mike Kohler.  

Sure, everyone saw it for what it was.....It was a set up job from the get go, played to maximum effect at what was supposed to be our jovial and festive Christmas meeting, the last meeting of the year somewhere before Santa Clause Spoke and then again after the Grinch gave the BCC cookies and a proclamation.  Stroberger's cringe-worthy antics can be viewed in minute 13:53 of this video. Then his boss, Mike Kohler, piled on with this garbage at minute 12:40 of this video.

These two, the commissioner and the secretary, took their best shot at me, writing letters and emails to the Governor demanding I be removed from office and simultaneously demanding an investigation of me by the State's Attorney over what these two geniuses decided unilaterally was a "Sunshine Law Violation" and a "clear case of Gerrymandering!" (of course they were dead wrong, but I digress...)

This was the conclusion these brainiacs reached after they read a PNJ hatchet job and some stolen county text messages that had been manipulated.

"You should resign!"  Said the commissioner's secretary. (He was hoping I would to make his run for my seat all the easier.  Not going to happen)

The real reason this happened was that Steve Stroberger wants to win my seat so He and his boss together can run the west side of Pensacola--and like Doug Underhill and Jonathan Owens in 2020--they want D2 to run D1.  So they took a kill shot at me with baseless allegations I committed a sunshine violation based on stolen messages that were manipulated.  Truth?  Who cares about that!  They just want to win an election!

Ain't going to happen.

So, within a week of that ugly spectacle of a meeting  right before Christmas-- the Office of the State Attorney committed to looking into the matter and issued a press release stating this.  Multiple news articles covered their announcement.  And they did investigate.  And they subpoenaed my unadulterated copy of my iPhone backup. And they referred the issue to the Grand Jury.

Meanwhile, I cooperated every step of the way and understood that everything on my iphone's backup that had been stolen (60,000 + text messages and more than 1,600 color photographs) was subject to inspection for evidence of any crime.  

I had actually already signed an unconditional writen release allowing for this unfettered search of these files six months earlier (nearly a full year ago now) when Law Enforcement met me and the County Administrator in my office on June 11th of last year.  They were there with the FBI confiscating county servers and files after it was learned that someone at the county stole confidential, privileged and personal identification information from the county's IT office and disseminated it inappropriately and unlawfully, unredacted, to multiple persons over state lines and to multiple lawyers at multiple firms actively involved in litigation against the county.  And yes--you guessed it--some of the data in the stolen files was protected attorney-client privileged information related to that particular litigation.  (That is the reason former D2 Secretary Jonathan Owens is now facing a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and as much as a $20,000.00 sanction at the Florida Division of Ethics because in their opinion probable cause exists that he violated Florida Statute 112.213(8).)

 Much more interesting and current information on this weird and surreal situation in part II.

Lifeguards on Perdido Key at County's Beach Access #2 Starting Today!

The new County lifeguard tower has been installed at Perdido Key  Beach Access #2 

Escambia County's Lifeguards Begin Service at Perdido Key Today!

Lifeguards will be stationed at Perdido Key Public Access #2 from May 23 to Aug. 11, 2024, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Throughout the day, a lifeguard will travel to Public Access #1, #3, and #4 to monitor the water and make contact with beach patrons.

Perdido Key patrons are encouraged to stay near the lifeguards while on the beach, especially in the most populated areas. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when visiting the beach and swimming in the Gulf, especially when lifeguards are not present.  

Beulah Master Plan/Frank Reeder Road Widening Joint Public Meeting Tomorrow Night at Beulah Middle School

County Staff and the team from Sigma Consulting will be in Beulah at Beulah Middle School tomorrow night at 6:00 PM to host a meeting on two big District 1 projects:  

1.  The Beulah Master Plan

2.  Frank Reeder Road Upgrade from Triumph Gulf Coast

Citizens are encouraged to attend this informative session where the first draft of the long awaited Beulah Master Plan will be presented.

We will take questions from citizens on both projects and will take feedback into account as staff works to complete the Master plan over the next several months.

Meet the Candidates Special on BLAB TV

Meet the Candidates special on BLAB TV

Can the Beulah Town Center Offer's Deficiencies be Overcome?

We did receive a revised offer from Beulah Town Center for the 290 acres of OLF 8 that the county will be selling for development guided by the DPZ Master Plan.  The revised offer included a price jump from $20 Million to $25 Million--which is a great thing.  But staff has now completed an analysis of the offer, and there appears to be a number of issues remaining.  Frustratingly--some of these issues were identified earlier, deleted by the county because they were "non-starters" --but now added back into the latest Beulah Town Center offer.

We have gone back and forth enough, and at this stage of the negotiations---the board should not be having to deal with issues we have already flagged.  If the offeror cannot overcome these--just tell us.  Similarly, if the county's language in some sections is unreasonable--the offeror needs to enunciate this at Monday's meeting.

But for the offeror to put back into this revised offer items which the BCC specifically cannot accept due to statutory reasons---why in the world are they back in this offer?

Folks on BOTH sides of this proposed transaction need to iron every one of these bullet points out prior to Monday so we are not, once again, trying to push a wet noodle up a hill on this.  It is time to fish or cut bait--no more Kabuki Theater.....Produce a contract we (the BCC) can make an up or down vote on!      Here are the county's objections--(from staff):

·       BTC adds back/deletes much of what was deleted/added in the County’s previous draft.

·       BTC increases the purchase price from $20,000,000 to $25,000,000.  (Section 2)

·       BTC increases the deposit from $20,000 to $25,000, with an additional $250,000 deposit upon approval of BTC’s preliminary site plan.  (Section 3)

·       There is really no situation where BTC will be unable to recover the deposit if the transaction does not close. (Sections 3.2, 5.4, 6.4, 8.1)

·       BTC does not commit to build anything or adhere to the master plan prepared by DPZ CoDesign.  Instead, it defers that issue to be resolved by a Master Development Agreement and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions that will be negotiated after the Purchase and Sale agreement. (Sections 3.2, 7.2, 8.1)

·       BTC requires all development approvals ahead of closing and incorporated in the Master Development Agreement.  (Sections 7.2, 8.1)

·       BTC deletes references to the provisions, covenants, and other duties and obligations in the quit claim deed from the USA to the County; the quit claim deed from the USA requires the County to incorporate those references in subsequent transactions.  (Section 5.2)

·       The Agreement makes several references to warranties of title; the County cannot provide warranties of title by statute. (Sections 7.2, 9.1, 13.1)

·       The Agreement requires the County to pay the documentary stamp tax; the County is precluded from paying these by statute. (Section 10.2)

·       The Agreement contains several provisions that require the County to indemnify and hold BTC harmless and pay its attorney’s fees in the event of default, breach, or other dispute. (Sections 13.1, 19, 30)

·       BTC requires the remedy of specific performance for breach, default, or otherwise refusing to pursue its obligations in the Agreement. (Section 14)

·       The County would be required to pay all BTC’s actual damages (i.e., all out-of-pocket costs) if the County does not close.  (Section 14.3)

·       BTC requires the County to record a restriction on the County’s northern remainder of the property to light-industrial uses; the County would not be able to allow the use of the remainder for residential or retail purposes without the written consent of BTC.  (Sections 7.2 and 13.1)

·       BTC requires a right-of-first refusal for the County’s northern remainder of the property.  (Section 12)

Being Prepared for the Storms that will be Coming: Governor's Hurricane Conference 2024

Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, speaks to attendees at the 38th Governor's Hurricane Conference in West Palm Beach, 5-15-2024

In my private capacity as a citizen and an employee of ESA South, Inc., I have the opportunity to once again attend the Governor's Hurricane Conference 2024 in West Palm Beach this week.

Lots of networking opportunities are present here with disaster response/recovery companies and other purveyors in the exhibition hall--but there are also informative presentations and other learning opportunities available to inform my other position as County Commissioner.

 At this year's event, 65 of 67 Florida counties are represented, as well as multiple other states and countries.  This event is the premiere tropical storm preparation conference in the world.

 This morning at the opening general assembly of the conference- the attendees heard from the

director of the National Hurricane Center, Dr. Michael Brennan. He went through a slide deck presentation describing the changes and improvements made in forecasting for storms since 2004. He also described the fact that over the last 10 years, 100 Floridians have been killed by Hurricanes as the primary cause. In the same period, 200 were killed after the Hurricanes by secondary causes. His big challenge ahead: How to deal with storms that rapidly intensify like Otis did last year to Acapulco? (that storm went from a tropical depression to a Cat 5 in 72 hours) hashtag

Later in the morning, the attendees heard best practices from the rural, big-bend counties Sewanee, Madison, and Dixie.  These three counties were the hardest hit by last year's Category 3 storm Idalia.  They were joined by Kevin Guthrie, the State of Florida's Director of Emergency Management. Although there were 20 named storms last year, only 7 became major hurricanes and only 1 hit Florida, according to the presenters at this morning's general session.  Nevertheless, Idalia did affect multiple counties and caused an estimated 3.5 Billion in damage in Florida.

As hard as it is to believe--communication with citizens was the biggest issue with Idalia recovery, according to the panel.  Cell service was out and the EOC had to be evacuated and the computer networks at the temporary EOC would not work with the EOC software.  Folks lost power and could not get messages from TV so the communications with the citizens was a real challenge. This and the removal of large oak trees from roadways.  "We had all of these people show up to volunteer to help but none of them had equipment big enough to remove these large trees" said panelist Chris Volz, director of Sewanee County Emergency Management.  The storm surge on the coast ended up being 11 feet tall, and all of the members of the panel celebrated the fact that no citizens were lost in these counties due to the storm surge.

 In some of these rural areas, old fashioned written communication is still a viable alternative to get the storm preparation message out.  "We utilize messages in church bulletins and flyers in stores to get the message out" said panelist Scott Garner, Director of the Dixie County Emergency Management office.

 State Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie described a new initiative coming that will help with messaging around the state.  "We have never once, not ever, lost an FM station Antenna in the state of Florida" so the FM stations are a good place for us to continue to give our messages to citizens"  said Guthrie.  He also let the audience know there is a new state plan to further utilize FM stations for storm warnings.  He also let the audience know about an obscure state law that allows for counties' emergency managment departments to take over digital commercial billboards in times of emergencies for emergency communications.

 Lots of good information on preparation this morning.  I'm sure there will be much more this afternoon, tomorrow, and Friday.

OLF 8 Updates: Beulah Town Center Offer Increases to $25 Million

The Beulah TownCenter LLC group have sent over a revised contract for the board's consideration for the purchase of 290 Acres of OLF 8 in Beulah.

I am told this revised contract will be on Monday's BCC agenda for our consideration.

In addition to a higher offer price, I am also told some language has been revised to meet what the board has requested in several meetings where we have considered previous offers.

Additionally--I was contacted by representatives of a new interested party.  This large development firm based in Alabama will be visiting the Pensacola area next week and I am told they are very interested in the OLF 8 property.

In addition to these two, we still have an offer on the table from two local individuals which the board is considering.

So the OLF 8 sale/development issue is once again heating up.  My hope is that we will soon be able to settle in on one of these offers and move this initiative forward.  If we are able to sell the 290 acres at $25 Million--this will be an immediate $10 Million Dollar windfall for our LOST fund that will provide monies for badly-needed infrastructure projects district wide.  In addition to this, such an agreement still leaves over 200 acres for the county to utilize for job creation on the northern portion of OLF 8--and everything that is developed on the southern portion of the parcel will immediately begin to generate ad valorem tax revenue for the county and the school board.

So good things are coming, stay tuned.

Another Big Endorsement?

I am posting this picture for about 15 or 16 “friends” on one particular Facebook site. I’m sure they will have a field day with it. They will say I should be investigated for damaging a local business with an inferior campaign sign. They will demand an investigation. At least one guy might even send a letter to the Governor. To which I will simply  say, the wind brought me this free advertising and endorsement from a national chain! And in honor of the wind giving me so much free advertising at a super busy McDonald’s I will today enjoy for lunch a delicious chocolate milkshake a double quarter pounder with cheese, French  fries and an apple turnover for the free solid that McDonald’s has given me here.  I know this meal will cost me between $25 and $26 but I’ll bring $30 just in case Biden‘s inflation has made it even more costly.  (I would thank the Hamburgler and Grimmace— however they were canceled in 1995 and 2002 respectively for political correctness’ sake…..and the burger clown supports a different candidate whom he’s desperately and unsuccessfully trying to make smile 😃)

(This post is a parody.)

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, For Escambia County Commission District 1

Our Campaign was Endorsed by District 1 Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman

Jeff Bergosh and Michelle Salzman, 2023

From Representative Salzman:

"In the August 20, 2024 primary election for District 1 Escambia County Commissioner, I support Jeff Bergosh. Jeff works hard, gets things done, and speaks his mind. He is intelligent, he studies the issues, and he is decisive. He gets involved in our community by mentoring at-risk students and serving 14 years on the Pensacola Chamber's Military Affairs Committee. He has actively served on dozens of boards locally over the last two decades--and his work and leadership on the state's Department of Transportation as the past chairman ot the Transportation Planning Organization is now paying dividends as hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding has come to Escambia County--much of it in District 1--and some more very large appropriations are in the pipeline, headed our way. Jeff actively follows important state issues working through the legislature and we have communicated on several bills during the legislative session in real time. I hope you'll join me in support of Jeff Bergosh for Escambia County Commissioner District 1 on August 20th"

--Michelle Salzman, Republican,

Florida State Representative for District 1

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, for Escambia County Commissioner Dist. 1

Escambia County Commission Honors Students at the Cox Heroes Awards 2024

Last Thursday, the Escambia Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation in support of exceptional students in our community that were recognized last night at a ceremony at UWF.

I was honored to be asked to bring greetings on behalf of the board--and humbled to be asked to read the proclamation for those in attendance who are dealing with adversity much more profound than most of us could even imagine.  

These students that were celbrated last night have overcome tremendous adversity in their lives; the types of hardships that could destroy grown adults.  And yet, these students overcame.

Loss of limbs, tremendous physical challenges, the death of parents, and other unimaginable hardships--hearing the stories of these 54 students was moving.

Many of us who feel like we deal with frequent adversity could learn a lot from hearing the stories of these children and their families. 

Thanks go out to Cox Communications and the Escambia County Council of PTA's/PTSA's for recognizing these exceptional students and their families.

Discussion of Concurrency at Agenda Review Yields a Breakthrough

 

Click this video, above, to hear the Board's discussion this morning on Concurrency

At this morning's agenda review of the Board of County Commissioners, I requested a discussion about our land development code.

Specifically--I wanted a discussion of Concurrency, Transportation Mobility Fees, and/or Impact Fees.

We are the only large county in Florida without BOTH a half cent LOST tax AND some form of Impact fee to mitigate the impact of growth on existing infrastructure and public facilities.

Over the last ten years, we have seen growth that has been unbridled and it has created issues with traffic, stormwater, and school capacity at some schools.

Concurrency, had it been in place, could have helped ameliorate some of the issues with this growth.

Concurrency was always a state requirment for countys and school boards until 2011 when it was removed as a state requirement by then Governor Rick Scott to assist the state's recovery from the Great Recession.  When it was removed as a state requirement, the Escambia BCC inserted concurrency into the County Land Development code in 2011.  Two years later, in 2013, the BCC removed it from the LDC, in order to stimulate our area's economy that was still suffering impacts from the recession.

That's how we got where we now are, in 2024.

I brought concurrency to the board and traffic mobility fees three times since my last election, once in 2021 and twice in 2022.  I did not have three votes to support these measures at that time.

I brought it again today and have now gained solid support from my counterparts to have staff do some research on the issue and bring back recommendations for implementation.  

I was heartened to get the support--because we need to bring this back and more importantly--the people want it and the county needs it.  I'm glad we are making some forward progress on this.  More to come in the months ahead.